lurk
lurk Lexical Profile
lurk Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To remain hidden or wait in concealment so as to ambush or observe someone or something.
"A large alligator was seen lurking just beneath the surface of the murky swamp."
To be present in a latent, barely discernible, or unexpressed way, often as a potential threat or feeling.
"A sense of unease still lurked at the back of her mind despite the reassuring news."
To read messages or observe activity in an online forum, chat room, or social media group without actively posting or contributing.
"I usually just lurk on the community message board rather than joining the heated debates."
• noun
The act or state of waiting in concealment or remaining hidden, especially in the phrase 'on the lurk'.
"The stray cat was constantly on the lurk near the garden bird feeder."
Australian A cunning scheme, dodge, or profitable stratagem, often involving bending the rules.
"He discovered a clever tax lurk that saved his small business thousands of dollars."
• Rhymes for lurk
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English lurken, meaning to lie hidden or skulk, probably of Scandinavian origin and related to Norwegian lurke (to sneak away or go slowly).